When you are looking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which more info are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without losing quality.

Store brands are produced by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the quality is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few staples at first—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.